The best desert campgrounds near Ouray, Colorado

Looking for a camping experience near Ouray, Colorado with a desert terrain? Look no further than Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven (245 reviews) to the stunning views at The Views at Gateway (243 reviews) and the cozy Bright Star Campground (211 reviews), there is something for everyone. Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, potable water, and trash disposal. And if you're looking for some excitement, engage in popular activities such as snow sports, paddling, and exploring historic sites. With an average price per night of $50 and options as low as $15, camping near Ouray, Colorado has never been more accessible and exciting!

95% (11)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ouray

Looking for a camping experience near Ouray, Colorado with a desert terrain? Look no further than Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven (245 reviews) to the stunning views at The Views at Gateway (243 reviews) and the cozy Bright Star Campground (211 reviews), there is something for everyone. Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, potable water, and trash disposal. And if you're looking for some excitement, engage in popular activities such as snow sports, paddling, and exploring historic sites. With an average price per night of $50 and options as low as $15, camping near Ouray, Colorado has never been more accessible and exciting!

95% (11)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ouray

1. Dark Sky Paradise

95%

(20)

46mi from Ouray · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Did you know the Milky Way has color? Come experience night skies like you have never seen them before! Look up when the next meteor shower is and reserve your spot. Most visitors love the serene atmosphere and want to get away from it all. You can explore 45 of our acres and access 45 acres of land locked BLM lands. A quick 5 min drive away is endless BLM and public lands. The land is around 10 miles from the town of Naturita which has a restaurant, atv rentals, a bar, a grocery store, thrift store, library, consignment store, dispensaries and gas stations. Naturita is an amazing place for Dark Sky viewing, hiking, camping, biking, and scenic drives. The outdoor recreation opportunities are endless. It is very close (driving) to the Dolores River. The land is surrounded by BLM and near the Uncompahge National Forest. The Dark Sky campsite is also close to the Unaweep/Tabegauche Scenic and Historic Byway. We are about 2 hours from Moab, UT! We go to Moab to get sushi. Come here to get away from it all! The land itself offers incredible mountain views. You park at the tree line with desert Sage brush views to the East, Pinion and Juniper trees with a private canyon and beautiful rock formations to the West. Just North is 45 acres of landlocked BLM public land walking distance from the campsite. Unit 70 for the hunters who know how legendary this area is. Our land has an obstacle course, private paintball/gel blaster/nerf field, seasonal lake, trails, canyon, elevation gains and drops. Pets are encouraged to join you.

2. Sunset Ridge

29mi from Ouray · 1 site · Tent, RV

Welcome to Sunset Ridge — your basecamp for adventure, sunsets, and Colorado mountain magic! Tucked away on the ruggedly beautiful Western Slope, our rustic mountain campsite offers panoramic sunset views, crackling campfires*, and easy access to the wild outdoors. Whether you're chasing adrenaline or soaking in the scenery, we've got you covered: 🛻 Four-wheel across scenic trails and roadways, 🥾 Hike to jaw-dropping overlooks on nearby popular trails, 🎣 Cast a line in peaceful fishing spots, 🎶 Enjoy live music, drinks and food under the stars at the local lodge. ...and that’s just the start. We’re a scenic drive from two classic Western Slope mountain towns—both offering hot springs, local eateries, charming shops, and even a nostalgic drive-in theater for the perfect nightcap. At Sunset Ridge, you can rise with the sun and the sound of birdsong, bugling elk, or grazing sheep, explore untamed Colorado by day, and unwind beside the fire* while the sky erupts in color followed by a nightlight of stars from above. Whether you're pitching a tent or pulling up in your rig, this is your place to unplug, unwind, and explore. *Availability is based on local fire restrictions, which are often in place during peak summer months.

3. A Colorado Trail Gem

50mi from Ouray · 1 site · RV

Just a place to park for the night. Gravel pad with plenty of room to turn around. Potable water available upon requests. A single electrical cord can be run to the site No electric hook up/no rv dump/no bathroom

4. Uncompahgre National Forest

85%

(23)

228 sites · Ophir, Colorado

Head to wild western Colorado to truly get away from it all.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. San Juan National Forest

97%

(41)

696 sites · Rico, Colorado

Hike through the rugged wilderness or take a scenic drive in this expansive national forest.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. Modern Nomad

47mi from Ouray · 1 site · Tent, RV

Welcome to your peaceful, private RV getaway on County Road 250, one of Durango’s most scenic and iconic byways. This covered RV site sits beneath a spacious pole barn with protection from sun, snow, and weather—perfect for year-round stays. Located just 12 minutes from downtown Durango, 8 minutes from the hot springs, and 20 minutes from Purgatory Ski Resort, this spot gives you the best of mountain adventure with the quiet comfort of rural living. 🌄 Site Amenities ✔ Covered RV Parking (Pole Barn Shelter) – ideal for all seasons ✔ Electrical Hookup – 30/50 amp available (specify if you want) ✔ Water Access – fill your tank onsite (no direct sewer hookup) ✔ Solo Stove Smokeless Fire Pit – perfect for evenings under the stars ✔ Picnic Table + Outdoor Chairs – relax and enjoy the mountain views ✔ Porta Potty On-Site – clean, private, and maintained ✔ Gravel base – level parking, easy access ✔ Beautiful rural property – quiet, safe, and private ⸻ 🏔 Close to Everything You’re right in the heart of Durango’s outdoor playground: • 8 minutes → Durango Hot Springs • 12 minutes → Downtown Durango (restaurants, shops, Animas River) • 20 minutes → Purgatory Ski Resort • 2 minutes → Mountain biking + trail access • Nearby → Hiking, fishing, rafting, wildlife viewing • On County Road 250 → One of the most scenic roads in Southwest Colorado Whether you’re here to ski, soak, bike, hike, or just unwind, this spot puts you close to everything while giving you the peace of country living.

Public campgrounds near Ouray

Campsite #9 - 100 yards off road, behind #10, very private and quiet. Loved this spot.

88%

(4)

Amphitheatre Campground

0.8mi from Ouray · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

100%

(11)

Alta Lakes Campground

14mi from Ouray · 16 sites · in Uncompahgre National Forest

EarthRoamers descending Last Dollar Road towards Telluride, CO

Sunshine Campground - Norwood

15mi from Ouray · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

Jackson Guard Station

15mi from Ouray · 1 site · in Uncompahgre National Forest

100%

(1)

Silver Jack Campground

16mi from Ouray · 61 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

83%

(4)

South Mineral Campground

16mi from Ouray · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Beaver Lake Campground

17mi from Ouray · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

67%

(3)

Matterhorn Campground

17mi from Ouray · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

Matterhorn Cabin

17mi from Ouray · 1 site · in Uncompahgre National Forest

Big Cimarron Campground

17mi from Ouray · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

100%

(2)

Woods Lake Campground - Norwood

23mi from Ouray · 46 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

Cayton Campground

24mi from Ouray · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Jason

January 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Dark Sky Paradise

Camping at Dark Sky Paradise is always a wonderful experience! We return every year to enjoy the quiet and solitude. Sonny is a fantastic host and made sure we were able to locate the fire wood we requested and communicated with us whenever we had questions. I highly recommend this camp spot to enjoy the beautiful stars, gorgeous terrain and incredible views. Ridgeway is not far away and we always enjoy taking time to visit Orvis Hot Springs for a day. Do yourself a favor and make time to enjoy this unique place!